Encryption systems and methods for identifying and coalescing identical objects encrypted with different keys

ABSTRACT

Cryptographic protocols and methods of employing the same are described. The described protocols advantageously enable two or more identical encryptable Objects that are coded for encryption with different keys to be identified as identical without access to either the unencrypted objects or the keys that are used in the encryption process. Additionally, the protocols enable two or more identical encryptable objects to be processed with different encryption keys, yet be stored in a manner so that the total required storage space is proportional to the space that is required to store a single encryptable object, plus a constant amount for each distinct encryption key. In various embodiments, the encryptable objects comprise files and the cryptographic protocols enable encrypted files to be used in connection with single instance store (SIS) systems.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/565,821, filed May 5, 2000 now U.S.Pat. No. 6,983,365, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to cryptographic protocols, andadditionally, to file systems that utilize single instance store (SIS)systems. The invention particularly concerns encryption systems andmethods for identifying and coalescing identical objects encrypted withdifferent keys.

BACKGROUND

Computer security, and in particular file security, can be enforcedthrough the use of access control techniques. In a typical computersystem, the operating system typically enforces access control byallowing users to set various access lists that determine which userscan and cannot access particular files. When a particular user attemptsto access a particular file, if they are not authorized to access thefile, the operating system will generally not allow them to do so. Oneproblem with an operating system-enforced security method is that itassumes that the operating system has not been compromised.Specifically, if an operating system becomes compromised, it is quitenatural to assume that any security measures administered by theoperating system have a high degree of likelihood of becomingcompromised as well. Thus, access control techniques are to a largeextent only as good as the integrity of the operating system thatenforces them.

Compounding this problem to a large degree is the tremendous growth inthe popularity of personal computers, e.g. lap top computers.Specifically, many times, individuals will store confidential files ontheir personal or lap top computers. But, because these computers, bytheir very nature, are quite mobile, the chances that they will bestolen increases. For example, it is less likely that a computer will bestolen from a secure residence, than from a somewhat unsecure hotelroom.

Encryption has evolved as a way to protect files in a way that isindependent of the integrity of the operating system of the computer.Encryption typically involves encrypting a file with an encryption keybefore it is stored on the computer's hard disk. The encryption key isnot stored on the computer. Anyone who is authorized to view the filecan be provided with the appropriate encryption key. Those individualswho are not authorized to view an encrypted file are not provided withthe appropriate encryption key. The file cannot be decrypted without theappropriate encryption (or decryption) key. Thus, if a computer (or itsoperating system) is compromised, the encrypted file is utterlyworthless to anyone who does not have the appropriate key to decrypt thefile.

While encryption works well at protecting files in computer systems,there are aspects of computer systems to which encryption posessignificant challenges. One particular aspect is a so-called singleinstance store (SIS) system. Specifically, the contents of a file of afile system may be identical to the contents stored in one or more otherfiles. While some file duplication tends to occur on an individualuser's personal computer, duplication is particularly prevalent onnetworks that are set up with a server that centrally stores thecontents of multiple personal computers. For example, with a remote bootfacility on a computer network, each user boots from that user's privatedirectory on a file server. Each private directory thus ordinarilyincludes a number of files that are identical to files on other users'directories. Storing the private directories on traditional file systemsconsumes a great deal of disk and server file buffer cache space. Toaddress the problems associated with storing multiple identical files ona computer, Microsoft developed the single instance store (SIS) systemthat is packaged as part of the Windows 2000 operating system. The SISsystem reduces file duplication by automatically identifying commonidentical files of a file system, and then merging the files into asingle instance of the data having one or more logically separate linksthereto that represent the original files. In this way, the storageimpact that multiple duplicate files have on a computer system isreduced.

Encryption complicates the SIS methodology in the following way. Assumethat each of a number of individuals encrypts an identical file usingtheir own unique key. The encryption of each file yields ciphertext thatis itself different from the ciphertext of each of the other encryptedfiles. When this happens, there is no realistic way to combine theidentical files because the ciphertext for each is different. That is,all that the SIS system will see is the different ciphertext for eachfile. Accordingly, the SIS system will treat the different ciphertextsfor each file as constituting a different file when, in actuality, thefiles that resulted in the ciphertext are identical.

Accordingly, this invention arose out of concerns associated withimproving cryptographic protocols. This invention also arose out ofconcerns associated with improving the efficiency of single instancestore file systems in view of the movement toward using cryptography asa means of file protection.

SUMMARY

Cryptographic protocols and methods of employing the same are described.The described protocols advantageously enable two or more identicalencryptable objects that are coded for encryption with different keys tobe identified as identical without access to either the unencryptedobjects or the keys that are utilized in the encryption process.Additionally, the protocols enable two or more identical encryptableobjects to be processed with different encryption keys, yet be stored ina manner so that the total required storage space is proportional to thespace that is required to store a single encryptable object, plus aconstant amount for each distinct encryption key.

In one described embodiment, two or more identical encryptable objectsare provided. The identical encryptable objects can comprise any objectsthat are capable of being encrypted. A hash is computed for each of theencryptable objects using the same hash function. This yields identicalhashes each of which is associated with an encryptable object. Eachencryptable object is then encrypted with its own hash to provide acipher object. Each hash is then encrypted with a unique key, e.g. anobject owner's key. A convergent cipher object is then constructed foreach encryptable object. Each convergent cipher object includes thecipher object corresponding to that encryptable object, each uniquelyencrypted hash, and a key identifier that identifies the key that wasused to encrypt the encrypted hash. Two or more of these convergentcipher objects may be combined into a compound convergent cipher objectthat includes a single cipher object that represents all of the originalencryptable objects, each uniquely encrypted hash, and a key identifierfor each uniquely encrypted hash that identifies the key that was usedto encrypt it. Optionally, each of the hashes can be encrypted with aone-way encryption function to provide an undecryptable encrypted hashthat can be included in the convergent cipher object.

To ascertain whether two encryptable objects are identical, only theircipher objects need to be examined. That is, identity of the underlyingencryptable objects can be determined by examining the cipher objectswithout having to examine the encryptable objects. The identity of theencryptable objects can be determined with certainty by examining, whereprovided, their undecryptable encrypted hashes.

Accordingly, many encryptable objects can be represented by individualassociated convergent cipher objects. Identical encryptable objects canbe effectively merged by examining the individual cipher objects foreach convergent cipher object. If the individual cipher objects arefound to be identical, then the convergent cipher objects for each ofthe encryptable objects can be merged to define a single resultantconvergent cipher object.

To decrypt a cipher object, the cipher object's encrypted hash is firstdecrypted using the unique key that was utilized to encrypt it. Once thehash is decrypted, it is used as the key to decrypt the cipher object.This provides the original encryptable object.

In various embodiments, the encryptable objects comprise files and thecryptographic protocols enable encrypted files to be utilized inconnection with single instance store (SIS) systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary computer system that can be utilizedto implement various described embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary encryption processin accordance with various described embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that describes steps in a method in accordancewith the described embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that describes steps in a method in accordancewith the described embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that describes steps in a method in accordancewith the described embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that describes steps in a method in accordancewith the described embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary decryption processin accordance with various described embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that describes steps in a method in accordancewith the described embodiments.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary single instance store (SIS)system in which various of the described embodiments can be used.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the FIG. 9 SIS system.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration that assists in understanding howvarious embodiments can be implemented in accordance with an exemplarySIS system.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration that assists in understanding howvarious embodiments can be implemented in accordance with an exemplarySIS system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

The inventive methods and systems achieve a cryptographic protocol thathas the following properties. First, if two or more encryptable objectsare identical, then even if different encryption keys are utilized toencrypt them to provide individual cipher objects, one does not need tohave access to any of the encryption keys to determine from anexamination of the cipher objects that the encryptable objects areidentical. Second, if two or more encryptable objects are identical butare encrypted with different encryption keys, the total space that isrequired to store all of the cipher objects is proportional to the spacethat is required to store a single encryptable object, plus a constantamount of storage for each distinct encryption key.

The cryptographic protocol that is discussed just below isadvantageously applicable to file systems that utilize single instancestores (SIS). Aspects of single instance stores are discussed below in asection entitled “Use of the Cryptographic Protocol in a File System.”An exemplary SIS system is Microsoft's SIS system that is packaged aspart of its Windows 2000 operating system. It is to be understood,however, that other SIS systems could utilize the principles discussedbelow. It is also to be understood that the inventive cryptographicprotocol has applicability outside of SIS systems altogether, and thatSIS systems are discussed only in the context of an exemplaryembodiment. For information on Microsoft's SIS system, the reader isreferred to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/354,624, and09/354,660, the disclosures of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

Exemplary Computer System

Preliminarily, FIG. 1 shows a general example of a computer 130 that canbe used to implement the various described embodiments.

Computer 130 includes one or more processors or processing units 132, asystem memory 134, and a bus 136 that couples various system componentsincluding the system memory 134 to processors 132. The bus 136represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures,including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, anaccelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of avariety of bus architectures. The system memory 134 includes read onlymemory (ROM) 138 and random access memory (RAM) 140. A basicinput/output system (BIOS) 142, containing the basic routines that helpto transfer information between elements within computer 130, such asduring start-up, is stored in ROM 138.

Computer 130 further includes a hard disk drive 144 for reading from andwriting to a hard disk (not shown), a magnetic disk drive 146 forreading from and writing to a removable magnetic disk 148, and anoptical disk drive 150 for reading from or writing to a removableoptical disk 152 such as a CD ROM or other optical media. The hard diskdrive 144, magnetic disk drive 146, and optical disk drive 150 areconnected to the bus 136 by an SCSI interface 154 or some otherappropriate interface. The drives and their associated computer-readablemedia provide nonvolatile storage of computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules and other data for computer 130.Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard disk,a removable magnetic disk 148 and a removable optical disk 152, itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types ofcomputer-readable media which can store data that is accessible by acomputer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital videodisks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and thelike, may also be used in the exemplary operating environment.

A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk 144, magneticdisk 148, optical disk 152, ROM 138, or RAM 140, including an operatingsystem 158, one or more application programs 160, other program modules162, and program data 164. A user may enter commands and informationinto computer 130 through input devices such as a keyboard 166 and apointing device 168. Other input devices (not shown) may include amicrophone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like.These and other input devices are connected to the processing unit 132through an interface 170 that is coupled to the bus 136. A monitor 172or other type of display device is also connected to the bus 136 via aninterface, such as a video adapter 174. In addition to the monitor,personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices(not shown) such as speakers and printers.

Computer 130 commonly operates in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer176. The remote computer 176 may be another personal computer, a server,a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, andtypically includes many or all of the elements described above relativeto computer 130, although only a memory storage device 178 has beenillustrated in FIG. 1. The logical connections depicted in FIG. 1include a local area network (LAN) 180 and a wide area network (WAN)182. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices,enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, computer 130 is connected tothe local network 180 through a network interface or adapter 184. Whenused in a WAN networking environment, computer 130 typically includes amodem 186 or other means for establishing communications over the widearea network 182, such as the Internet. The modem 186, which may beinternal or external, is connected to the bus 136 via a serial portinterface 156. In a networked environment, program modules depictedrelative to the personal computer 130, or portions thereof, may bestored in the remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated thatthe network connections shown are exemplary and other means ofestablishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

Generally, the data processors of computer 130 are programmed by meansof instructions stored at different times in the variouscomputer-readable storage media of the computer. Programs and operatingsystems are typically distributed, for example, on floppy disks orCD-ROMs. From there, they are installed or loaded into the secondarymemory of a computer. At execution, they are loaded at least partiallyinto the computer's primary electronic memory. The invention describedherein includes these and other various types of computer-readablestorage media when such media contain instructions or programs forimplementing the steps described below in conjunction with amicroprocessor or other data processor. The invention also includes thecomputer itself when programmed according to the methods and techniquesdescribed below.

For purposes of illustration, programs and other executable programcomponents such as the operating system are illustrated herein asdiscrete blocks, although it is recognized that such programs andcomponents reside at various times in different storage components ofthe computer, and are executed by the data processor(s) of the computer.

Cryptographic Protocol

In the explanation that follows, a cryptographic protocol is presentedthat satisfies the two properties mentioned above—namely, if twoidentical encryptable objects are coded for an encryption process withtwo different keys, it is possible to ascertain that the objects areidentical without having access to either the unencrypted encryptableobjects or the keys that were used in the encryption process.Additionally, the protocol makes it possible to store only one copy ofthe encrypted encryptable object which is then decryptable only to thoseentities that possess the appropriate keys. In the described embodiment,such is made possible by incorporating, along with the encrypted object(referred to herein as a “cipher object”), certain other information aswill become apparent below. The cryptographic protocol discussed belowis referred to as “convergent encryption” because two or more identicalencryptable objects will, when encrypted with not necessarily identicalkeys, converge to the same cipher object, thereby allowing recognitionand coalescing of identical encryptable objects. As used in the contextof this document, an “encryptable object” can comprise any object thatis capable of being encrypted. Typical examples include, withoutlimitation, messages, documents, files, and the like. A “cipher object”refers to an encryptable object that has been encrypted. In oneparticular embodiment discussed below, the encryptable object comprisesa file in a file system.

Provided Operations

In one illustrated and described embodiment, the following fiveoperations are provided by the inventive methods. Explanation of thefive operations makes use of an encryptable object in the form of aplaintext message P.

-   -   1. Encryption, in which a plaintext message P is encrypted with        an encryption key K and tagged with a key identifier I to        produce a ciphertext message C. In notation, C=E_(K,I)(P).    -   2. Decryption, in which a ciphertext message C is decrypted with        a decryption key K to produce a plaintext message P. In        notation, P=D_(K)(C). Note: This decryption key need not be the        same as the encryption key used to encrypt message P.    -   3. Identity recognition, in which it is determined whether two        ciphertext messages C₁ and C₂ have matching plaintext. In        notation, b=R(C₁, C₂).    -   4. Merge, in which two ciphertext messages C₁ and C₂ with        matching plaintext but coded for not necessarily identical sets        of encryption keys are merged into a single ciphertext message        C₀. In notation, C₀=M(C₁, C₂). This operation is composable, so        an arbitrary number of ciphertext messages with matching        plaintext can be merged by composing the merge operation. In        notation, M(C₁,C₂,C₃, . . . , C_(n))=M( . . . M(M(C₁,C₂),C₃) . .        . , C_(n)).    -   5. Extraction, in which a ciphertext message C₀ coded for a        single key corresponding to key identifier I is extracted from a        ciphertext message C₁ coded for one or more keys. In notation,        C₀=X₁(C₁).

Properties of Convergent Encryption

The following two properties are important and useful properties ofconvergent encryption:

-   -   1. If C₁=E_(K) ₁ _(,I) ₁ (P₁) and C₂=E_(K) ₂ _(,I) ₂ (P₂), then        whether P1 equals P2 can be determined by examination of C1 and        C2 without knowledge of K1 or K2. This means that the original        plaintext messages can be ascertained to be identical (in one        embodiment with absolute certainty, and in another embodiment        with a very high degree of probability) by examination of the        cipher objects, and without knowledge of the keys that were used        to encrypt them.    -   2. If C₁=E_(K) ₁ _(,I) ₁ (P), C₂=E_(K) ₂ _(,I) ₂ (P), . . . ,        C_(n)=E_(K) _(n) _(,I) _(n) (P), and C₀=M(C₁,C₂, . . . , C_(n)),        then L(C₀)≦Q₁L(P)+Q₂n, where operator L provides the length of a        message, and Q1 and Q2 are fixed constant values. This        relationship describes the storage needs for storing a cipher        object as a representation of all of the cipher objects that        have been encrypted that have identical content. What the        relationship states is that the storage needs for merged cipher        objects are proportional to the size of one of the original        encryptable objects, plus a constant amount of storage for each        key that was used in the encryption.

Underlying Cryptographic Algorithms

In the discussion that follows, implementation of convergent encryptionis based upon underlying cryptographic algorithms. For the subsequentdiscussion, the following assumptions are made:

-   -   1. A first auxiliary encryption function c=e_(k)(p) encrypts a        plaintext message p with an encryption key k to produce a        ciphertext message c. This function has the property that        L(c)≦QL(p)+S, for some fixed constants Q and S. (Where the term        “S” covers so-called padding in connection with encryption        algorithms that are “block ciphers” and process only information        in fixed sized portions). There are many cryptographic        algorithms that could be used for this function, including        without limitation, DES, IDEA, and other symmetric-key        algorithms.    -   2. A first auxiliary decryption function p=d_(k)(c) decrypts a        ciphertext message c with a decryption key k to produce a        plaintext message p. This function is the inverse of the first        auxiliary encryption function.    -   3. A second auxiliary encryption function c=e′_(k)(p) encrypts a        plaintext message p with an encryption key k to produce a        ciphertext message c.

This function has the property that L(c)≦QL(p)+S, for some fixedconstants Q and S. This function may be the same as the first auxiliaryencryption function, or it may be some other symmetric-key algorithm, orit may be a public-key algorithm.

-   -   4. A second auxiliary decryption function p=d′_(k)(c) decrypts a        ciphertext message c with a decryption key k to produce a        plaintext message p. This function is the inverse of the second        auxiliary encryption function. If it is a public-key algorithm,        then this decryption key is not the same as the encryption key        used to encrypt message p.    -   5. A one-way hash function q=h(p) non-invertably digests a        message p to produce a fixed-size, secure hash value q. There        are many one-way hash algorithms that could be used for this        function, including SHA, MD5, and others.    -   6. A one-way encryption function c=w(p) that non-invertably        encrypts a fixed-size plaintext message p to produce a        fixed-size undecryptable ciphertext message c. One such function        is modular exponentiation using a generator in a finite field.

Exemplary Encryption

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates an exemplary encryption in which twoobjects—object 200 and object 250 are encrypted and placed into a formthat can satisfy the two properties mentioned above. Any number ofobjects can be utilized. In the described embodiment, the objects areidentical and could, for example, constitute identical files ormessages.

In the illustrated example, respective representations are made of theobjects. Here, object 200 has a representation 202 and object 250 has arepresentation 252. In the illustrated example, the processing thattakes place to produce the representations is the same. In this manner,because the objects 200, 250 are identical, the respectiverepresentations 202, 252 will be identical as well. Any suitablerepresentation can be utilized. In the illustrated and describedembodiment, the representation is a hash that may or may not be a securehash. Next, the objects 200, 250 are encrypted using their ownrespective representations 202, 252 as the encryption key to produce anencrypted or cipher object. Here, object 200 is encrypted with itsrepresentation 202 to produce cipher object 204, while object 250 isencrypted with its representation 252 to produce cipher object 254. Atthis point, the cipher objects 204, 254 are identical because theycomprise identical encryptable objects that were each encrypted withidentical keys (i.e. the representations, which are hashes of theidentical encryptable objects 200, 250). Additionally, given a cipherobject such as 204 or 254, it is not computationally feasible to decryptthe cipher object without knowing the key that was used to encrypt it,namely one of the object representations 202 or 252. Furthermore, theobject representations 202, 252 can only be generated from theunencrypted forms of the encryptable objects 200, 250.

Each of the representations 202, 252 are then encrypted with respectivekeys 206, 256. Keys 206, 256 can comprise individual keys of the owner'sof objects 200, 250 respectively. Thus, in the example where therepresentations comprise hashes, each hash is encrypted with a key toyield an encrypted representation. In this example, different keys areused to encrypt the representations. So, for example, key 206 is used toencrypt representation 202 to produce an encrypted representation 208,while key 256 is used to encrypt representation 252 to provide encryptedrepresentation 258. Each of these encrypted representations isdifferent.

Next, a convergent cipher object is constructed by associating a singlecipher object (either object 204 or 254) with a list (or other datastructure) that contains other information that identifies therespective keys that were used to encrypt the object representations, aswell as the encrypted representations. In the illustrated example, aconvergent cipher object contains a single cipher object 204 (254) aswell as a list that contains a first ordered pair (with key identifier270 and encrypted representation 208) and a second ordered pair (withkey identifier 272 and encrypted representation 258). Each of the keyidentifiers uniquely identifies the keys with which it is associated.Accordingly, key identifier 270 uniquely identifies key 206, while keyidentifier 272 uniquely identifies key 256. In this example, as will beshown in the “Identity Recognition” section below, there is a highdegree of likelihood that if the cipher objects are equivalent, theircorresponding encryptable objects are equivalent as well. Thisdetermination can be made without access to either the encryptableobjects or the keys that were used to encrypt the objectrepresentations.

One embodiment determines with certainty that the correspondingencryptable objects are identical. Here, each of the representations202, 252 is further encrypted with a one-way encryption function toproduce an undecryptable encrypted representation or value 274. Theundecryptable encrypted value 274 is then incorporated into thealternate convergent cipher object as shown in FIG. 2.

It will be appreciated that if the encryption of one object (say P1)with an object representation (say q1) yields the same value as theencryption of another object (say P2) with an object representation (sayq2), if q1=q2, then P1 must equal P2.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram that describes steps in one encryptionmethod in accordance with the described embodiment. The descriptiongiven just below uses the definitions given in the “UnderlyingCryptographic Algorithms” section above. In this example, a plaintextmessage P is encrypted with an encryption key K and tagged with a keyidentifier I to produce a convergent ciphertext message C, whereC=E_(K,1)(P). Step 300 computes a secure hash q of plaintext p: q=h(P).Zero or more bits of the value q can be discarded, although preferablyno bits are discarded. Step 302 encrypts plaintext P with the firstauxiliary encryption function, using secure hash value q as theencryption key. This produces ciphertext c: c=e_(q)(P). Step 304encrypts secure hash value q with the second auxiliary encryptionfunction, using encryption key K to produce encrypted hash value u:u=e′_(K)(q). Step 306 optionally encrypts secure hash value q with theone-way encryption function to produce undecryptable encrypted hashvalue z: z=w(q). Step 308 then constructs or builds convergentciphertext C as an ordered tuple, with ciphertext c as the firstelement, undecryptable encrypted hash value z as the second element, anda list as the third element. In one embodiment, the second element z ofthe tuple can be omitted in this and all other operations. The listcontains one ordered pair, with key identifier I as the first elementand encrypted hash value u as the second element: C=(c,z,

(I,u)

).

Identity Recognition

The above-described convergent encryption methods make it possible todetermine whether two or more encryptable objects, e.g. plaintextmessages, are identical without the need to examine the encryptableobjects themselves. By examining the cipher objects, one is able toascertain whether the encryptable objects are identical. In oneembodiment, examination of only the cipher objects enables identity tobe determined with a high degree of probability. In another embodiment,examination of the cipher objects and some additional information makesit possible to determine identity with certainty.

The convergent encryption procedure for identity recognition, in whichit is determined whether two ciphertext messages C₁ and C₂ have matchingplaintext, is as follows: b=R(C₁, C₂). Convergent ciphertext message C₁,which is the encryption of plaintext P₁, is given as an ordered tuple,with ciphertext c₁ as the first element, undecryptable encrypted hashvalue z₁ as the second element, and a list of m ordered pairs as thethird element:C₁≡E(P₁)≡(c₁,z₁,

(I₁,u₁),(I₂,u₂), . . . ,(I_(m),u_(m))

)

It should be appreciated that although a list is used for exemplarypurposes as the third element, other data structures could beimplemented such as a tree, a hash table, or some other data structure.Convergent ciphertext message C₂, which is the encryption of plaintextP₂, is given as an ordered tuple, with ciphertext c₂ as the firstelement, undecryptable encrypted hash value Z₂ as the second element,and a list of n ordered pairs as the third element:C₂≡E(P₂)≡(c₂,z₂,

(J₁,v₁),(J₂,v₂), . . . , (J_(n),v_(n))

)

A value of TRUE is assigned to result b if and only if c₁=c₂ and z₁=Z₂;a value of FALSE is assigned to result b otherwise: b=(c₁=c₂)´ (z₁=z₂)

In the embodiment in which z is omitted from the tuple, a value ofPROBABLY TRUE is assigned to result b if and only if c₁=c₂; a value ofFALSE assigned to result b otherwise. In this embodiment, it is notpossible to tell for certain that P₁ equals P₂, because there is anon-zero (albeit extremely small) probability that two distinctmessages, P₁ and P₂, could yield two distinct secure hash values,q₁=h(P₁) and q₂=h(P₂), that, when used as respective encryption keys,encrypt the distinct messages to identical ciphertexts, c=e_(q1)(P₁) andc=e_(q2)(P₂).

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that describes steps in an identificationmethod in accordance with the described embodiment. Step 400 providestwo or more cipher objects that have been encrypted and processed toprovide multiple ordered tuples or convergent cipher objects inaccordance with the “Exemplary Encryption” section above. In oneembodiment, each ordered tuple contains a single cipher object and thelist (or other data structure) as described above. In anotherembodiment, each ordered tuple contains an additional element z that isthe undecryptable encrypted representation value (i.e. hash value). Step402 determines whether the cipher objects in each of the ordered tuplesare identical. If the cipher objects are not identical, then step 404concludes that the encryptable objects that correspond to the cipherobjects are not identical. If, on the other hand, step 402 determinesthat the cipher objects in each of the order tuples are identical, thenstep 406 determines whether the ordered tuples contain undecryptableencrypted representations (i.e. element z). If there are noundecryptable encrypted representations, then step 408 concludes thatthe corresponding encryptable objects are probably identical with a veryhigh probability. If there are undecryptable encrypted representations,then step 410 determines whether the undecryptable encryptedrepresentations are identical. If the undecryptable encryptedrepresentations are not identical, then the method branches to step 404.If the undecryptable encrypted representations are identical, then step412 concludes with certainty that the corresponding encryptable objectsare identical.

In these embodiments, the identity determinations can be made withoutaccessing the corresponding encryptable objects. Only the cipher objectsand, in some instances, other information is used to make the identitydetermination.

Merging

Convergent encryption makes it possible to merge two or more identicalobjects that have been coded for not necessarily identical sets ofencryption keys. The convergent encryption procedure for a mergeoperation, in which two convergent ciphertext messages C₁ and C₂ withmatching plaintext but coded for not necessarily identical sets ofencryption keys are merged into a single convergent ciphertext messageC₀, is as follows: C₀=M(C₁, C₂)

Convergent ciphertext message C₁ is given as an ordered tuple, withciphertext c as the first element, undecryptable encrypted hash value zas the second element, and a list of m ordered pairs as the thirdelement:C₁≡(c,z,

(I₁,u₁),(I₂,u₂), . . . , (I_(m),u_(m))

)

Convergent ciphertext message C₂ is given as an ordered tuple, withciphertext c as the first element, undecryptable encrypted hash value zas the second element, and a list of n ordered pairs as the thirdelement:C₂≡(c,z,

(J₁,v₁),(J₂,v₂), . . . ,(J_(n),v_(n))

)

Convergent ciphertext C₀ is constructed or built as an ordered tuple,with ciphertext c as the first element, undecryptable encrypted hashvalue z as the second element, and a list of 1 ordered pairs as thethird element. The list is the union of the lists from C₁ and C₂:

$C_{0} = {\left( {c,z,\left\langle {\left( {H_{1},t_{1}} \right),\left( {H_{2},t_{2}} \right),\ldots\mspace{14mu},\left( {H_{1},t_{1}} \right)} \right\rangle} \right)\because\left\{ \begin{matrix}{{\forall{x \leq {m\mspace{14mu}{\exists\;{y:\left( {I_{x},u_{x}} \right)}}}}} = \left( {H_{y},t_{y}} \right)} \\{{\forall{x \leq {n\mspace{14mu}{\exists\;{y:\left( {J_{x},v_{x}} \right)}}}}} = \left( {H_{y},t_{y}} \right)}\end{matrix} \right.}$

In the embodiment in which z is omitted from the tuple, although it isnot possible to tell for certain that two ciphertexts have matchingplaintexts, merging non-identical messages with identical ciphertextdoes not pose a problem, because each message will be decrypted with theappropriate key to produce the proper plaintext.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that describes a merging method in accordancewith the described embodiment. Step 500 provides two or more convergentcipher objects. Each of the convergent cipher objects has at least asingle cipher object and a list (or data structure) as described above.Each single cipher object corresponds to an identical encryptableobject. In one embodiment, each convergent cipher object has anadditional element z that comprises the undecryptable encryptedrepresentation. Step 502 combines the two or more convergent cipherobjects to provide a resultant convergent cipher object that includes atleast (a) a single cipher object that represents all of the cipherobjects from each of the two or more convergent cipher objects, and (b)a list (or data structure) that constitutes the union of lists from eachof the two or more convergent cipher objects. In the embodiment in whicheach of the convergent cipher objects contains the z element, theresultant convergent cipher object contains a z element as well.

Extraction

Convergent encryption also makes it possible to extract a singleconvergent cipher object (or its corresponding cipher object) from amerged resultant convergent cipher object. The convergent encryptionprocedure for extraction, in which a convergent ciphertext message C₀coded for a single key corresponding to key identifier I is extractedfrom a convergent ciphertext message C₁ coded for one or more keys, isas follows: C₀=X₁(C₁).

Convergent ciphertext message C₁ is given as an ordered tuple, withciphertext c as the first element, undecryptable encrypted hash value zas the second element, and a list of ordered pairs as the third element:C₁≡(c,z,

(I₁,u₁),(I₂,u₂), . . . ,(I_(n),u_(n))

)

Convergent ciphertext C₀ is constructed as an ordered tuple, withciphertext C as the first element, undecryptable encrypted hash value zas the second element, and a list as the third element. The listcontains the one ordered pair from the list in convergent ciphertext C₀whose first element matches key identifier I:C ₀=(c,z,

(I _(x) ,u _(x))

)

I _(x) =I

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that describes steps in an extraction method inaccordance with the described embodiment. Step 600 provides a resultantconvergent cipher object as set forth in the “Merging” section above.The resultant convergent cipher object contains a single cipher object cthat represents all of the identical encryptable objects, and at least alist that represents a union of the lists from each of the convergentcipher objects that were merged to produce the resultant convergentcipher object. In one embodiment, the resultant convergent cipher objectalso contains an element z that is the undecryptable encryptedrepresentation. Step 602 provides a key identifier I that represents akey that was used to encrypt the encrypted representation (e.g.encrypted representation 270 in FIG. 2). Step 604 checks the keyidentifier I against the key identifier in each of the ordered tuplesthat constitutes the resultant convergent cipher object. If the keyidentifier I does not match an identifier in the list, step 606determines whether there are any additional identifiers in the list. Ifthere are additional identifiers in the list, then step 608 moves ontothe next ordered tuple and returns to step 604. If there are noadditional identifiers in the list and if no matches are found, then theextraction fails (step 610). If, on the other hand, step 604 finds anidentifier in the list that matches the key identifier I, then step 612constructs a convergent cipher object that includes the single cipherobject, the list having the matching key identifier, and optionally, theelement z.

Decryption

FIG. 7 diagrammatically illustrates an exemplary decryption process inwhich cipher object 204 is to be decrypted to produce the originalencryptable object 200. The decryption that is discussed below uses theexample of FIG. 2. In this example, key identifier 270 is utilized toascertain key 206. Using key 206 as a decryption key, encryptedrepresentation 208 is decrypted to produce the original objectrepresentation 202. In the encryption example above, an exemplaryoriginal object representation is a hash of the encryptable object. Oncethe original representation 202 has been decrypted using key 206, thecipher object 204 is decrypted using the original representation as thedecryption key.

FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram that describes steps in one decryptionmethod in accordance with the described embodiment. The descriptiongiven just below uses the definitions given in the “UnderlyingCryptographic Algorithms” section above. The convergent encryptionprocedure for decryption, in which a convergent ciphertext message C isdecrypted with a decryption key K to produce a plaintext message P, isas follows: P=D_(K)(C).

Convergent ciphertext message C is given as an ordered tuple, withciphertext c as the first element, undecryptable encrypted hash value zas the second element, and a list as the third element. The listcontains one ordered pair, with key identifier I as the first elementand encrypted hash value u as the second element: C≡(c,z,

(I,u)

).

Step 800 identifies the key that is associated with the key identifierthat is contained in the list. Step 802 decrypts the encryptedrepresentation (i.e. encrypted hash value u) with the second auxiliarydecryption function, using decryption key K to produce secure hash valueq: q=d′_(K)(u). If e′ and d′ are a public key algorithm, then the K usedin this step will not be the same as the K used in step 304 of theencryption process, but instead will be the private key matching thepublic key used in step 304. Step 804 decrypts ciphertext c with thefirst auxiliary decryption function, using secure hash value q as thedecryption key to produce plaintext P: P=d_(q)(c).

One important thing to notice is that here, the direct decryption of thecipher object is not done using the user's key. Rather, the directdecryption uses only the decrypted hash of the encryptable object.Another important thing to notice is that the size of the cipher objectis proportional to the size of the original encryptable object, and thateach encryption key (e.g. the hash of the original object) is a constantsize regardless of the size of the original encryptable object. Thelatter observation is useful when the described encryption protocol isutilized in connection with a single instance store (SIS) file system,discussed in more detail below. The remainder of FIG. 8 is used in the“Error Checking” section just below.

Error Checking

One aspect of the described embodiment provides for error checking thatensures that the decrypted cipher object has been decrypted using thecorrect decryption key. As background, consider that many decryptionalgorithms simply decrypt an encrypted object using the key that isprovided to the algorithm. If an incorrect key is provided, thealgorithm will simply decrypt the encrypted object using the incorrectkey to provide an inaccurate decrypted object. The algorithm has no wayof determining whether the decryption key is the correct key.

FIG. 8 shows steps in an error-checking method in accordance with thedescribed embodiment. The error-checking processing takes placesubsequent to decrypting the cipher object (step 804). Step 806 computesa representation of the decrypted cipher object using the same algorithmthat was used during the encryption processing (i.e. step 300 in FIG.3). In the illustrated example, the representation is a hash of theencryptable object. Accordingly, here a hash of the decrypted cipherobject can be computed using the same hashing algorithm as was used inthe encryption process. Step 808 compares the newly-computedrepresentation with the original representation (202 in FIGS. 2 & 7),and step 810 determines whether the representations are the same. If therepresentations are the same, then step 812 concludes that the key thatwas used to decrypt the cipher object was the correct key. If, however,step 810 determines that the representations are not the same, then step814 concludes that the wrong key was used to decrypt the cipher object.

The described error checking provides an added degree of certainty tothe described encryption protocol because it enables one to ascertainwhether the decryption key is in fact the correct decryption key.

Use of the Cryptographic Protocol in a File System

One advantage of the described encryption protocol is its use inconnection with a file system that uses a single instance store (SIS)system to reduce storage demands stemming from duplicate files. Recallthat a SIS system essentially reduces the storage demands of a filesystem by recognizing that duplicate files can be stored as a singleinstance with logically separate and independent links thereto thatrepresent the original files. An exemplary SIS system is described inU.S. application Ser. Nos. 09/354,624 and 09/354,660.

FIGS. 9 and 10 diagrammatically illustrate an exemplary SIS system andthe principles upon which it might operate. FIG. 9 shows two primarycomponents, a file system volume 900 and a groveler component 908. Thegroveler component 908 is implemented in software. The file systemvolume 900 can include numerous files, exemplary ones of which are shownat 902, 904, and 906. In this example, each of the files 902, 904, and906 is identical. The groveler component 908 is programmed to find fileshaving duplicate data in the file system volume 900. One way to do thisis to compute a signature for each file and then compare the signaturesfor the files. Any duplicate signatures likely indicate a duplicatefile. For any duplicate files, the groveler component 908 can furtherconduct a byte-by-byte comparison of the files to ensure that their dataare identical. When the groveler component 908 confirms identical files,it initiates a merging activity that merges the files into a singleinstance of data and provides links or link files for each of theidentical files. For example, FIG. 10 shows file system volume 900 asincluding links 1002, 1004, and 1006. Each individual link correspondsto a individual respective file 902, 904, and 906 in FIG. 9. None of thelinks contains its original file data. Instead, each link references asingle instance merged file 1008 that is resident in a common store1010. The single instance merged file contains the original file datafor the identical files 902, 904, and 906 (FIG. 9). Users can nowoperate on the links instead of their individual duplicate files.Examples of one particular SIS implementation in connection with theWindows NT file system is described in the applications incorporated byreference above.

As mentioned above, when individual identical files are encrypted withdifferent encryption keys, SIS systems cannot typically determine thatthey are identical. This is because the resulting ciphertext of theencrypted files is itself different (as being generated by differentencryption keys). Thus, when the exemplary groveler component 908computes a signature of the different ciphertexts, each signature isdifferent as well. Accordingly, it then appears to the grovelercomponent 908 as if the files are in fact different when they are inactuality identical. Thus, the identical files are not combined.

Advantageously, through the use of the above described inventivecryptographic protocol, identical files can now be coded for encryptionwith different keys, yet still be determined to be identical withouthaving to reference the unencrypted files. Specifically, by referencingthe ciphertext of the files, the files can now be determined to beidentical. These identical files can be operated upon and merged, asdescribed above, thereby preserving the advantages of the SIS system,even when files are encrypted.

Exemplary Implementation

In one particular implementation, each file can be represented by morethan one stream of bytes. Windows NT file system is one such file systemwhere this is the case, as will be understood by those of skill in theart. In this example, each file comprises a primary stream and one ormore auxiliary streams. When a file is encrypted to provide a cipherobject, the corresponding cipher text is maintained in the primarystream. The auxiliary streams are used to maintain the correspondinginformation that is associated with the cipher text, e.g. the list ofordered pairs. Each of the primary streams can then be examined todetermine whether the ciphertext in each stream is identical. If thecipher text in each primary stream is identical, then a convergentcipher object (i.e. ordered tuple) can be built by merging the primarystreams into a resultant stream, and using each associated auxiliarystream to build the ordered pairs that comprise the tuple.

As an example, consider FIG. 11, showing two exemplary files. Each fileis encrypted as described above in the section entitled “ExemplaryEncryption.” (For brevity's sake, the encryption process will not beagain described here.) The resulting cipher object is stored in theprimary stream 1102, 1104 of the file, and the encrypted representationis stored in an auxiliary stream 1106, 1108 of the file. A keyidentifier could also be stored in this auxiliary stream, or the keyidentifier could be implicitly associated with the name of the file.

FIG. 12 illustrates the state of the file system after the grovelercomponent has merged the files in accordance with the description in theabove section entitled “Merging.” (For brevity's sake, the mergingprocess will not be again described here.) Since the primary streams ofthe two files are identical, the content of one of the primary streamsis copied to the primary stream 1200 of a common store file. The singleinstance store (SIS) component of the file system adds another auxiliarystream (here, the “SIS” auxiliary stream) to each file that indicatesthat the contents of the file are to be found in the common store file.

The files can be further processed in accordance with the descriptionsin each of the sections entitled “Identity Recognition”, “Extraction”,“Decryption”, and “Error Checking”. For brevity sake, these sectionswill not be again described.

File Segmentation

One particularly advantageous aspect of the described embodimentrecognizes that there are times when only a portion of a file might beneeded. In these instances, it would be inefficient to open and read anentire file's contents simply to gain access to the needed portion. Inaccordance with this embodiment, one or more files are segmented intoindividual portions. Each individual portion of the file is then treatedas if it were a separate file. That is, each file portion is separatelyencrypted and processed as described above. The result of this operationis that for each file portion, there is a corresponding ordered tuplethat contains a cipher object and its associated information (i.e.list). Each of the individual file portions can then be independentlyprocessed as described above.

In selecting the size of the segments the following considerationsshould be taken into account. First, if the segmentation sizes are toolarge, then the overhead associated with updating a segment becomeslarge in relation to the segment size. Second, if the segmentation sizesare too small, then the space used to store the keys that are used inthe encryption process becomes large in relation to the segmentationsize. In practice, a segmentation size from between 4 to 64 Kbytes hasbeen found to be adequate.

CONCLUSION

The inventive methods and systems described above achieve acryptographic protocol that has the following properties. First, if twoor more encryptable objects are identical, then even if differentencryption keys are used in an encryption process that providesindividual cipher objects, one does not need to have access to any ofthe encryptable objects or encryption keys to determine whether theencryptable objects are identical. Second, if two or more encryptableobjects are identical but are encrypted with different encryption keys,the total space that is required to store all of the cipher objects isproportional to the space that is required to store a single encryptableobject, plus a constant amount of storage for each distinct encryptionkey. The described cryptographic protocol can be particularlyadvantageously employed in the context of file systems that use singleinstance stores (SIS).

Although the invention has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological steps, it is to be understoodthat the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarilylimited to the specific features or steps described. Rather, thespecific features and steps are disclosed as preferred forms ofimplementing the claimed invention.

1. An identification method comprising: examining a plurality ofconvergent cipher objects, wherein each of the plurality of convergentcipher objects comprises: a cipher object, wherein the cipher objectcomprises: an encryption of an encryptable object, the encryptionformed, at least in part, using a representation for an encryption key,wherein a representation comprises a hash of that encryptable object; astructure for organizing data in a computer, the structure comprising:one or more ordered pairs, each ordered pair comprising; a keyidentifier; and an encrypted representation; and based upon only theexamination of the plurality of convergent cipher objects, ascertainingwhether any of the plurality of encryptable objects as represented bythe plurality of convergent cipher objects are likely to be identical.2. The identification method of claim 1, wherein each of the convergentcipher objects comprises an undecryptable encrypted representation andsaid examining comprises examining each of the single cipher objects andthe undecryptable encrypted representations.
 3. The identificationmethod of claim 1, wherein each of the convergent cipher objectscomprises an undecryptable encrypted representation that represents ahash of its associated encryptable object that has been encrypted with aone way encryption function, and said examining comprises examining eachof the cipher objects and the undecryptable encrypted representations.4. A computer system programmed to implement the method of claim
 1. 5.One or more computer-readable media having computer-readableinstructions thereon which, when executed by a computer, cause thecomputer to: examine a plurality of convergent cipher objects, whereineach of the plurality of convergent cipher objects comprises: a cipherobject, wherein the cipher object comprises: an encryption of anencryptable object, the encryption formed, at least in part, using arepresentation for an encryption key, wherein a representation comprisesa hash of that encryptable object; a structure for organizing data in acomputer, the structure comprising: one or more ordered pairs, eachordered pair comprising; a key identifier; and an encryptedrepresentation; and ascertain, based upon only the examination of theplurality of convergent cipher objects, whether any of the plurality ofencryptable objects as represented by the plurality of convergent cipherobjects are likely to be identical.
 6. The computer-readable media ofclaim 5, wherein each of the convergent cipher objects comprises anundecryptable encrypted representation and said computer readableinstructions cause the computer to examine each of the cipher objectsand the undecryptable encrypted representations.
 7. Thecomputer-readable media of claim 5, wherein each of the convergentcipher objects comprises an undecryptable encrypted representation thatrepresents a hash of its associated encrypted object that has beenencrypted with a one way encryption function, and said computerinstructions cause the computer to examine each of the cipher objectsand the undecryptable encrypted representations.
 8. Thecomputer-readable media of claim 5, wherein the encryptable objectcomprises a file.
 9. A method of merging two or more convergent cipherobjects comprising: defining a plurality of convergent cipher objects,wherein each of the plurality of convergent cipher objects comprises: acipher object, wherein the cipher object comprises: an encryption of anencryptable object, the encryption formed, at least in part, using arepresentation for an encryption key, wherein a representation comprisesa hash of that encryptable object; a structure for organizing data in acomputer, the structure comprising: one or more ordered pairs, eachordered pair comprising; a key identifier; and an encryptedrepresentation; and comparing the cipher objects for each of theconvergent cipher objects; and merging two or more convergent cipherobjects to define a resultant compound convergent cipher object thatcomprises a single cipher object if, as a result of said comparing, thesingle cipher objects from each of the compared convergent cipherobjects appear to be identical.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein saidmerging comprises: computing a union of the structures for organizingdata in a computer of any of the merging convergent cipher objects; andassociating said union with the single cipher object that is containedin the resultant compound convergent cipher object.
 11. The method ofclaim 9, wherein each of the convergent cipher objects comprises anundecryptable encrypted representation, wherein: said comparingcomprises comparing the undecryptable encrypted representations for eachof the convergent cipher objects; and said merging comprises mergingsaid two or more convergent cipher objects to define a resultantcompound convergent cipher object that comprises a single undecryptableencrypted representation if, as a result of said comparing, theundecryptable encrypted representations from each of the comparedconvergent cipher objects appear to be identical.
 12. The method ofclaim 9, wherein each of the convergent cipher objects comprises: anundecryptable encrypted representation; and wherein: said comparingcomprises comparing the undecryptable encrypted representations for eachof the convergent cipher objects; and said merging comprises: mergingsaid two or more convergent cipher objects to define a resultantcompound convergent cipher object that comprises a single undecryptableencrypted representation if, as a result of said comparing, theundecryptable encrypted representations from each of the comparedconvergent cipher objects appear to be identical; computing a union ofthe structures for organizing data in a computer of any of the mergingconvergent cipher objects; and associating said union with the singlecipher object that is contained in the resultant compound convergentcipher object.
 13. A computer system programmed to implement the methodof claim
 9. 14. One or more computer-readable media havingcomputer-readable instructions thereon which, when executed by acomputer, cause the computer to: define a plurality of convergent cipherobjects, wherein each of the plurality of convergent cipher objectscomprises: a cipher object, wherein the cipher object comprises: anencryption of an encryptable object, the encryption formed, at least inpart, using a representation for an encryption key, wherein arepresentation comprises a hash of that encryptable object; a structurefor organizing data in a computer, the structure comprising: one or moreordered pairs, each ordered pair comprising; a key identifier and anencrypted representation; and compare the cipher objects for each of theconvergent cipher objects, ; and merge two or more convergent cipherobjects to define a resultant compound convergent cipher object thatcomprises a single cipher object it as a result of said comparing, thecipher objects from each of the compared convergent cipher objectsappear to be identical.
 15. The computer-readable media of claim 14,wherein said instructions cause the computer to: compute a union of thestructures for organizing data in a computer of any of the mergingconvergent cipher objects; and associate said union with the singlecipher object that is contained in the resultant compound convergentcipher object.
 16. The computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein theencryptable object comprises a file.
 17. A decryption method comprising:defining a convergent cipher object that comprises: a cipher object,wherein the cipher object comprises: an encryption of an encryptableobject, the encryption formed, at least in part, using a representationfor an encryption key, wherein a representation comprises a hash of thatencryptable object; a structure for organizing data in a computer, thestructure comprising: one or more ordered pairs, each ordered paircomprising; a key identifier; and an encrypted representation:ascertaining a key to be used for decryption by examining the one ormore key identifiers from the one or more ordered pairs; using the keyas identified by one of the one or more key identifiers to decrypt thecorresponding one of the one or more encrypted representations from theone or more ordered pairs; decrypting the cipher object using thedecrypted encrypted representation as a decryption key.
 18. Thedecryption method of claim 17, wherein the convergent cipher objectcomprises: a compound convergent cipher object that comprises: a singlecipher object, the single cipher object having resulted from merging twoor more convergent cipher objects whose cipher objects when compared,appeared to be identical.
 19. The decryption method of claim 17, whereinthe convergent cipher object comprises: a compound convergent cipherobject that comprises: a single cipher object the single cipher objecthaving resulted from merging two or more convergent cipher objects whosecipher objects, when compared, appeared to be identical; and a singleundecryptable encrypted representation.
 20. The decryption method ofclaim 17 further comprising checking the decrypted encryptedrepresentation to ensure that it is the correct representation to usefor decrypting the cipher object.
 21. The decryption method of claim 20,wherein the checking comprises: computing a new representation using thedecrypted cipher object; and comparing the new representation with therepresentation that was provided by decrypting the encryptedrepresentation.
 22. A computer system programmed to implement the methodof claim
 17. 23. One or more computer readable media havingcomputer-readable instructions thereon which, when executed by acomputer, cause the computer to: process a convergent cipher objectcomprising: a cipher object, wherein the cipher object comprises: anencryption of an encryptable object, the encryption formed, at least inpart, using a representation for an encryption key, wherein arepresentation comprises a hash of that encryptable object; a structurefor or organizing data in a computer the structure comprising: one ormore ordered pairs, each ordered pair comprising; a key identifier; andan encypted representation; ascertaining a key to be used for decryptionby examining the one or more key identifiers from the one or moreordered pairs; using the key as identified by one of the one or more keyidentifiers to decrypt the corresponding one of the one or moreencrypted representations from the one or more ordered pairs; decryptingthe cipher object using the decrypted encrypted representation as adecryption key.
 24. The computer-readable media of claim 23 furthercomprising instructions that check the hash to ensure that it is thecorrect hash to use to decrypt the cipher object.
 25. Thecomputer-readable media of claim 24, wherein said instructions thatcheck the hash comprise instructions that: compute a new hash using thedecrypted single cipher object; and compare the new hash with the hashthat was decrypted.
 26. The computer-readable media of claim 23, whereinthe encryptable object comprises a file.
 27. A file systemidentification method comprising: examining a plurality of convergentcipher objects, where each of the plurality of convergent cipher objectscomprises: a cipher object, wherein the cipher object comprises: anencryption of a file, the encryption formed, at least in part, using arepresentation for an encryption key, wherein a representation comprisesa hash of that file: a structure for organizing data in a computer, thestructure comprising: one or more ordered pairs, each ordered paircomprising; a key identifier; and an encrypted representation; and basedupon only the examination of the plurality of convergent cipher objects,ascertaining whether any of the plurality of files are likely to beidentical.
 28. The file system identification method of claim 27,wherein each of the convergent cipher objects comprises an undecryptableencrypted representation and said examining comprises examining each ofthe cipher objects and the undecryptable encrypted representations. 29.The file system identification method of claim 27, wherein each of theconvergent cipher objects comprises an undecryptable encryptedrepresentation that represents a hash of its associated file that hasbeen encrypted with a one way encryption function, and said examiningcomprises examining each of the cipher objects and the undecryptableencrypted representations.
 30. A computer system programmed to implementthe method of claim
 27. 31. A file system method of merging two or moreconvergent cipher objects comprising: defining a plurality of convergentcipher objects, wherein each of the plurality of convergent cipherobjects comprises: a cipher object, wherein the cipher object comprises:an encryption of a file, the encryption formed, at least in part, usinga representation for an encryption key, wherein a representationcomprises a hash of that file; a structure for organizing data in acomputer, the structure comprising: one or more ordered pairs, eachordered pair comprising; a key identifier; and an encryptedrepresentation; and comparing the cipher objects for each of theconvergent cipher objects; and merging two or more convergent cipherobjects to define a resultant compound convergent cipher object thatcontains a single cipher object if, as a result of said comparing, thecipher objects from each of the compared convergent cipher objectsappear to be identical.
 32. The file system method of claim 31, whereinsaid merging comprises: computing a union of the structures fororganizing data in a computer of any of the merging convergent cipherobjects; and associating said union with the single cipher object thatis contained in the resultant compound convergent cipher object.
 33. Thefile system method of claim 31, wherein each of the convergent cipherobjects comprises an undecryptable encrypted representation, wherein:said comparing comprises comparing the undecryptable encryptedrepresentations for each of the convergent cipher objects; and saidmerging comprises merging said two or more convergent cipher objects todefine a resultant compound convergent cipher object that comprises asingle undecryptable encrypted representation if, as a result of saidcomparing, the undecryptable encrypted representations from each of thecompared convergent cipher objects appear to be identical.
 34. The filesystem method of claim 31, wherein each of the convergent cipher objectscomprises: an undecryptable encrypted representation; and wherein: saidcomparing comprises comparing the undecryptable encryptedrepresentations for each of the convergent cipher objects; and saidmerging comprises: merging said two or more convergent cipher objects todefine a resultant compound convergent cipher object that comprises asingle undecryptable encrypted representation if, as a result of saidcomparing, the undecryptable encrypted representations from each of thecompared convergent cipher objects appear to be identical; computing aunion of the structures for organizing data in a computer of any of themerging convergent cipher objects; and associating said union with thesingle cipher object that is contained in the resultant compoundconvergent cipher object.
 35. A computer system programmed to implementthe method of claim
 31. 36. A file system decryption method comprising:defining convergent cipher object that comprises: a cipher object,wherein the cipher object comprises: an encryption of a file, theencryption formed, at least in part, using a representation for anencryption key, wherein a representation comprises a hash of that file;a structure for organizing data in a computer, the structure comprising:one or more ordered pairs, each ordered pair comprising; a keyidentifier; and an encrypted representation; ascertaining a key to beused for decryption by examining the one or more key identifiers fromthe one or more ordered pairs; using the key as identified by one of theone or more key identifiers to decrypt the corresponding one of the oneor more encrypted representations from the one or more ordered pairs;decrypting the cipher object using the decrypted encryptedrepresentation as a decryption key to provide the file.
 37. The filesystem decryption method of claim 36, wherein the convergent cipherobject comprises: a compound convergent cipher object that comprises: asingle cipher object, the single cipher object having resulted frommerging two or more convergent cipher objects whose cipher objects, whencompared, appeared to be identical.
 38. The file system decryptionmethod of claim 36, wherein the convergent cipher object comprises: acompound convergent cipher object that comprises: a single cipherobject, the single cipher object having resulted from merging two ormore convergent cipher objects whose cipher objects, when compared,appeared to be identical; and a single undecryptable encryptedrepresentation.
 39. The file system decryption method of claim 36further comprising checking the decrypted encrypted representation toensure that it is the correct representation to use for decrypting thecipher object.
 40. The file system decryption method of claim 39,wherein the checking comprises: computing a new representation using thedecrypted cipher object; and comparing the new representation with therepresentation that was provided by decrypting the encryptedrepresentation.
 41. A computer system programmed to implement the methodof claim 36.